“I suspect at the moment Arsenal are arguably playing the best football in the league,” he told BBC Sport. “But it’s a long season, and the only question mark over them today has been about them having the right mindset, and for 20 minutes today they weren’t good enough.

“They always say that there are no easy games in the Premier League – yeah there is, Arsenal have had one today.”

Arsenal have always been reknown for their attractive style of play but seem to be backing it up this season with consistency – the Gunners are still unbeaten since the opening day – a run of 14 games in all competitions.